We watched the movie "Despicable Me" last night. It started out a little slow, but by the end it certainly packed a punch, and it's message was clear--to me at least! Getting along with others--making peace--loving others, no matter who they are--is child's play.
For some reason or another, as we age, it becomes increasingly difficult to love others--and increasingly easy to judge others. Don't ask me why, 'cause I don't really know. But what I do know is that as we age, our criteria for friends and associates tends to grow narrower and narrower.
Not so with children! "Play with me!" is a demand given indiscriminately. "Read me a bedtime story," is not a request reserved for a certain few. Children have so much to teach us about loving and living! It's no wonder Jesus invited us all to become like little children.
And then there are the words of the prophet Isaiah, who promises that in matters of peace and respect, we shall be led by a little child.
The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling[a] together;
and a little child will lead them.
Kind of makes you think, doesn't it??~!!
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Young People, Today!
My daughter has the most amazing group of friends. . . and I got to spend most of Friday evening with them! Actually, all of my 20-something children have amazing friends, and I love it when I get to hang out with them. They are smart, and articulate; well-employed, and hard-workers. BUT, they also know how to kick back and have a good time!
When will we give these young people more space to be themselves; to take leadership in our world and in our communities? When will we move over and give them space to join us? When will we start learning from them, instead of insisting they be like us, and learn from us?
Our young people ( I think I mean people 40 years and under) are an incredibly under-valued asset in our society. God has placed them on this earth alongside the rest of us 'older' folk. And yet, somehow we still see them as 'youngsters' who have a lot to learn. Of course they do, but don't we all???
When will we give these young people more space to be themselves; to take leadership in our world and in our communities? When will we move over and give them space to join us? When will we start learning from them, instead of insisting they be like us, and learn from us?
Our young people ( I think I mean people 40 years and under) are an incredibly under-valued asset in our society. God has placed them on this earth alongside the rest of us 'older' folk. And yet, somehow we still see them as 'youngsters' who have a lot to learn. Of course they do, but don't we all???
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Baby, it's cold outside!
I just got in my car to come home from a meeting, and it was glorious! My car had been sitting in the sun, and despite the below zero temperature outside, it was lovely and warm inside.
It IS a glorious, sunny day, despite the cold temperature. And, I am reminded of what a gift from God the sun is!
As much as I do enjoy the snow--and we've had lots of it this winter in southwestern Ontario--the sun is a gift. It is a promise of warmth; a promise that even when things seem horrid, there is something good waiting; a promise of life to come!
It is so easy to take the little things, like the sun, for granted. But after days of gray and cold weather, when the sun comes out, I am reminded how important the sun is--to me; to my health and my mental health; and to the health of this entire universe.
So, friends, on this sunny Tuesday . . . Happy Sun Day!
It IS a glorious, sunny day, despite the cold temperature. And, I am reminded of what a gift from God the sun is!
As much as I do enjoy the snow--and we've had lots of it this winter in southwestern Ontario--the sun is a gift. It is a promise of warmth; a promise that even when things seem horrid, there is something good waiting; a promise of life to come!
It is so easy to take the little things, like the sun, for granted. But after days of gray and cold weather, when the sun comes out, I am reminded how important the sun is--to me; to my health and my mental health; and to the health of this entire universe.
So, friends, on this sunny Tuesday . . . Happy Sun Day!
Monday, February 14, 2011
Happy Valentine's Day!
Happy V-Day, friends!
At least that's what one little boy told me yesterday: it's called V-Day. I guess it really doesn't matter what we call it; we all know what day it is--a day to celebrate love and companionship. And how very blessed we are to have friends and lovers with whom to celebrate. In our home last night, we enjoyed a lovely 'sweethearts' meal' sharing around the table with two other couples. It was a true celebration of friendship, companionship, and relationships.
But, it did get me thinking. What about those who have no one with whom to celebrate? What about those who have no family? no friends? no lover? How do they feel about this day? Is it just a day like any other? Do they wish they had someone to celebrate with, or does it really matter to them?
And, since it is a celebration of love--and it is my call as a follower of Jesus to reach out to others in love--what can I do for these folks with no one?
Hmmm, that is a good question: what can I do?
At least that's what one little boy told me yesterday: it's called V-Day. I guess it really doesn't matter what we call it; we all know what day it is--a day to celebrate love and companionship. And how very blessed we are to have friends and lovers with whom to celebrate. In our home last night, we enjoyed a lovely 'sweethearts' meal' sharing around the table with two other couples. It was a true celebration of friendship, companionship, and relationships.
But, it did get me thinking. What about those who have no one with whom to celebrate? What about those who have no family? no friends? no lover? How do they feel about this day? Is it just a day like any other? Do they wish they had someone to celebrate with, or does it really matter to them?
And, since it is a celebration of love--and it is my call as a follower of Jesus to reach out to others in love--what can I do for these folks with no one?
Hmmm, that is a good question: what can I do?
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Family Fun
God created us for fun, not sorrow and trial. And although those are a real part of living, they do not have to be the place that we live in always.
Last Sunday, the Sunday School of Norwich United Church held a skating party at the local arena, followed by a time of games and food--of course! Although I gave my skates up last year (arthritis in the feet makes skating too hard), it was fun to watch the skaters, young and old. What was especially fun was watching those who were 'new to skates' find their footing, and gather speed. Brandon and Kirsten were especially inspiring!
There was great food, and some pretty mean games of crokinole happening upstairs. It was a great afternoon of family fun--I mean family in the BIG sense--the family of Jesus Christ.
How do YOU make sure that you are living as God created you to, injecting a little--or a lot--of fun into your everyday living?
Donna
Last Sunday, the Sunday School of Norwich United Church held a skating party at the local arena, followed by a time of games and food--of course! Although I gave my skates up last year (arthritis in the feet makes skating too hard), it was fun to watch the skaters, young and old. What was especially fun was watching those who were 'new to skates' find their footing, and gather speed. Brandon and Kirsten were especially inspiring!
There was great food, and some pretty mean games of crokinole happening upstairs. It was a great afternoon of family fun--I mean family in the BIG sense--the family of Jesus Christ.
How do YOU make sure that you are living as God created you to, injecting a little--or a lot--of fun into your everyday living?
Donna
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
A Winter's Day
It's cold today--very cold! But the sun is shining, and somehow seeing the sun makes it all okay!
Welcome to my blog! This is a first-time thing for me--both exciting and intimidating. Kind of a metaphor for all of life: both exciting and intimidating. I want to keep in touch with you, and this is a way that I can do that. Tell me, what's on your mind? What burning questions or issues are you struggling with? Let's talk. Let's get the community involved.
Let's be family together. So, as cold as it might be, let's 'sunny up' our lives as we share the warmth of being together as a community that searches and learns together. Welcome to Rev'd up!
Welcome to my blog! This is a first-time thing for me--both exciting and intimidating. Kind of a metaphor for all of life: both exciting and intimidating. I want to keep in touch with you, and this is a way that I can do that. Tell me, what's on your mind? What burning questions or issues are you struggling with? Let's talk. Let's get the community involved.
Let's be family together. So, as cold as it might be, let's 'sunny up' our lives as we share the warmth of being together as a community that searches and learns together. Welcome to Rev'd up!
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